5 Reasons Why Professional Headshots Matter

The are many reasons why you should update your headshots and why you should have a professional do it. This week I’m going to share my top 5 reasons why you need professional headshots.

1. Hello my name is…

Like it or not, your headshot is your first impression, and introduction. Recruiters, HR departments, potential clients, college admissions (the list goes on), do internet searches. They use social media platforms to find out more about you. They want to get some kind of insight to who you are, what are your skills, your ambitions. Will you fit in with their office culture and brand? Seriously, how may times have you googled a business or person to see if you want to hire them?

Is your profile pic of you with your family on vaca, or at that party that was amazing, something you’d want to share with your boss or client? Does it instill confidence in them that you are the one to get the job done? Do they sound or look professional?

No, it doesn’t. In fact it could cost you a job when the next applicant who has the same skills as you looks the part and you don’t. I hate to say looks matter, but they do. I don’t mean in a “beauty” way, but in how you present yourself. Give yourself a leg up on the competition by presenting the best possible you at first sight.

2. Story Time

Headshots are more than an introduction; they tell a story. What is your story? How do you tell your story? This is another way in which a professional photographer can help you out. Let us show your expertise and personality. Location is a key factor in presenting your story. To determine the best location for your headshot, talk with your photographer to find a place that best suits your career and desired impression you want to make. Whether it’s a personal brand, professional brand or both, your headshot should match your brand message. There is nothing wrong of a photo of you on the beach showing off those rock hard abs if you’re a personal trainer, but if you’re a corporate lawyer maybe not the best location and wardrobe choice.

3. Branding

What is a brand message, and why should your headshots match your personal or professional brand? A brand is an overall experience of a customer that distinguishes you or your product from its competitors. It’s what makes you or your company stand out from the others. A brand is more than just your logo. It’s a feeling you want to have your customers to have, to want, or even emulate. It’s a perception of a business, service, product, or experience. You want your headshot to reflect that message, not take away from it. For example a realtor in front of a sold sign in a suit tells me you’re the guy/gal I want to work with versus you sitting on the couch with your feet up with your adorable dog. (Nothing against dogs here)

4. Be Ready, Be Current

You need to be ready for that unexpected request. I get calls for “emergency” headshots more often than not. While I try to get everyone in, it’s not always possible. Your boss says we need a current portrait of you for our website. As a new team member your company wants to introduce you to their clients in a newsletter, press release or on social media. You’ve been asked to speak to a group about your expertise. A magazine or organization wants to feature or recognize you. A selfie or a phone pick under florescent light against a random wall in your office doesn’t inspire professionalism. That photo of you from 10 years go, is a no go. Instead be ready and look prepared with at least one professional quality and current headshot that sends the right message. Control your message.

5. An Investment That Pays Itself Off

Having professional headshots taken is such a simple way to invest in your business and yourself. You can use them over and over again without having to pay each time you use it. You can use them in so may places! On your website, social media, Linked in, networking groups… We live in a very visual world, so don’t waste your online presence. You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. People love pictures and are very image driven. Just think, if you get a job or just one client, your investment already paid off. You most likely made enough from that first paycheck or first client booking to pay for the cost of your headshot. You’ve instilled confidence in that recruiter or customer to say they look like they know what they are doing. Now you’ll be making more money because you got the attention of the right people.

What’s next?

Now you could take that new iPhone put it on portrait mode and take a pic. I love my iPhone for personal pics, but can the phone tell you how to pose so you look your best? Does it help you figure out what to wear and what type of portrait to use to make the best impact in your industry? Waze can tell you how to get there, but can it tell you the best location for your needs? This is where a professional comes in. We can help you put your best face forward. We can create the message you want to send. Take action and lead people to what you want them to know about you.

A professional headshot will help you more than you know. If you don’t believe me just GTS it! (google that…!)

We currently a have a few Headshot Sessions left in February. Fill out our contact form to get started with putting your best face forward.

The Headshot Event

With Diane French Photography

Let’s Mix & Mingle With Girls That Run The World!

You’ve poured hours into your craft and have had your head buried in research. You took the leap and left your 9-5 to pursue a life designed by you. You decided to turn your hobby into real profits or maybe you felt a yearning for pursing a life alongside just being a mother and or wife. Are you a boss lady in the business, real estate, or medical field? Maybe, just maybe, you simply want to share with the world who you really are. Your new venture, this new zest for life is begging for you to make a great first impression… a brand new profile image will do that for you!Read More

Over the last year I changed the focus of my wonderful business. Sometimes you need to stop and think about what is and isn’t working for you. I had some tough decisions to make. While I LOVE family and children’s photography, it was time for a change. As some of you know already, I am no longer taking on family and children’s photo sessions. This was a pretty gut wrenching decision. I have formed so many relationships and friendships with my family clients over the years. For years I’ve watched families grow older, new babies arrive, braces going on and braces coming off. I have loved seeing your children change and get older. Knowing I was a witness as well as a small part of documenting their lives has been a privilege. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for letting me be a part of it.

However it doesn’t mean I’m done with photography! In fact I have been busy working creating a new website, new branding and shooting with a different focus. Oh and most exciting, I moved into a new studio in Park Ridge, NJ! Read More

Restrictions: Only one headshot session per person. Must choose between a Tradational Headshot Session (in DFP Studio), or Modern Headshot Session (on location). Modern Headshot sessions cannot be more than 15 miles from zip code 10965. Additional travels fee will be charged if not within the 15-mile radius. Session availability starting in January 2018. Cannot be use for group company headshots. You must Contact Diane French Photography to book you appointment (info@dianefrenchphoto.com (845)372-6646. Sessions are weekdays between the hours or 10am and 3pm. No refunds. Cannot be combined with any other offer.

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I took this photo the other day and I can’t stop looking at it. I posted it on Instagram and Facebook so you probably saw it already. I have been pulling it up on my phone over and over again. Needless to say, I’m obsessed with it. I love that the photo tells a story as well as stops time for a moment. Read More

Wonder Woman Wednesday

Lady Bosses creating their own path.

Attention my Long Island people, this Wonder Woman is for you! I am super excited to introduce to you one of my very favorite lady bosses! She is talented, creative, smart and beautiful! I have to admit, it’s really intimidating taking photos of another photographer, especially one that is as talented as she is. In fact, she is my go-to photographer for our family portraits (click here and here to see our last two family sessions). I love talking shop and life with her. I’m sure you will love her too once you learn all about her. Read More

Wonder Woman Wednesday

Lady Bosses creating their own path.

We’re excited to profile inspiring businesswomen in Rockland County, NY, and Bergen County, NJ. These lady bosses have taken charge of their lives and launched exciting endeavors we’re sure you’ll want to hear about. Learn all about their businesses and the women behind them the 1st Wednesday of the Month on the blog! Read More

Yep it’s my birthday, a BIG birthday for me this year. Deep breath, I’m 40! I can’t believe it. The BIG FOUR O. I’ve got a lot of mixed emotions about this one. I don’t think I feel 40. Heck I don’t know – what is 40 supposed to feel like? Read More

School has begun, there’s a chill in the evening air, and Halloween is around the corner. All that can only mean one thing: It’s time to announce the complete details of our annual Fall Mini Sessions! Read More

Bright bold colors, belly laughs and a gentle touch made this family session perfectly them.

I love how this family puts together their wardrobe. Every year their style is fun with little touches that add to the personalities of each person. A cohesive look I love without the matchy-matchy. They are an energetic family who likes to smile, laugh and explore. I think these photos really capture that part of them. And Little Miss found every caterpillar in the park this day. Read More

Autumn is my absolute favorite season. I love the colors, the crisper air, and of course the new clothes! I ‘ve always gotten excited for back-to-school shopping all the way through college. Then it hits you like a wall. Your first year out of school and nothing to shop for when falls comes. After I graduated from college, fall was a sad reminder of the exciting new beginnings of old. However now that I’m a mom and not some poor single college grad, I look forward to shopping for my kids and OK maybe a little something for me too (he he). So with the fall shopping spirit in mind, here are some fun ideas and collections for back to school for the littles in your life.

You don’t have to be a pro with a fancy camera to get fun, memorable back-to-school photos. The whole point is to capture your kids just as they really are right now. Little or big, try and take the time for this every year. Make it a tradition. To help you out, I wanted to give you some tips and ideas on how and what to photograph.Read More

So in our first installment of Spring Cleaning Your Photos, we established a system for getting all of your pics from your various digital devices nicely organized onto one central computer. But here’s the rub: It’s not a question of “if” your computer’s hard drive will fail, it’s “when.” So that brings us to Spring Cleaning Your Photos Part 2: Backup.Read More

There is still room for a few more of you to come and join us for a fun ladies night out! You will have a choice of a 1/2-hour massage or a 1/2-hour facial, wine, some yummy treats and uninterrupted adult conversation!

Here are the details: When: Thursday May 14, 2015, at 7:00 PM Where:Freckles & Knots Day Spa in Pearl River, NY Who: You and some friends! How Much: $59.00. Please make your reservations by tonight and let us know your choice of massage or facial, but don’t worry, you can pay at the spa. To reserve you spot, simply email me at info@dianefrenchphoto.com or call me at (516) 238-1423.

I hope you can join me on Thursday. I’d love to see you and catch up!

Looking for someone to help make wonderful memories and tell your story…

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That’s right I’m channeling my inner Snoop Dogg as we roll into spring. Music is always connected to memories and so are photos! With the spring weather finally starting to show its face here in Rockland County and Bergen County, I feel the need to listen to some old school music and get out in the warmer weather with you!

Announcing our 2015 Spring Mini Sessions!

Our Ever So Rare Mini Sessions are a quick way for busy families to get some fun updated pictures in a beautiful outdoor spring setting at Van Saun Park in Bergen County, NJ.

**New for this year: online booking! That’s right – clicking here is now the only way to reserve your spot. Then, I’ll confirm your appointment via email, and send you the link to sign the final Portrait Agreement. Take care of that and you’re set! Easy peasy! (*Please note your booking is not complete until the Portrait Agreement is signed. Your Portrait Agreement must be signed (online) within 48 hours to keep your booking. A refund will be issued if your Portrait Agreement is not signed within 48 hours of your confirmed reservation.)

There’s **only two spots left**, so if you’re interested, you need to act fast! The next Mini Sessions won’t be offered again till fall.

The fee for this 20-minute session is $50 and packages start at $200 with add-ons and other a la carté products available.

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To help you get a grip on the chaos, we present: Spring Cleaning Your Digital Photos Part 1: Organization. Stay tuned for future installments on Backup, Photos With Friends, and Prints & Products.Read More

Diane French Photography

Professional Headshot Portraits & Business Branding Photography Services. Located in Pearl River, NY and servicing Rockland County NY, Bergen County NJ Westchester County NY and New York Tri State area.

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(845) 372-6646
info@dianefrenchphoto.com

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What kind of headshot is right for you and your business? Click the link below to learn the difference between a traditional headshot and a more modern lifestyle headshot.

Professional headshots aren’t just for Hollywood hopefuls anymore. In our social-media-savvy world, people of all professions have an opportunity to tell their customers a lot about themselves, their business and their brand with a great headshot.

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